Joan Graves Joyner, 79, peacefully passed away on Friday, June 2, 2023. Joan was born in Greene County to the late Curtis Ray and Ruby May Graves on January 2, 1944. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Mickey Joyner; siblings, Herbert Graves, Gene Graves, Audrey Wooten, Ed Graves, and Charlie Graves; and son-in-law, Brad Elmore.

With a personality large enough to fill any space, Joan could easily strike up a conversation with anyone. Never one to meet a stranger, she’d often take time to stop and speak a kind word to those she met—at church, around town, or even on vacation.

Those who had the opportunity to sit around Joan’s dining table knew of her culinary skills. Cooking the freshest vegetables that were seasoned just right or fixing the best chicken salad you’ve ever tasted, the meals were never fancy but always delicious.

When Joan set out for the day, you could be assured that she would include a shopping excursion before she came back home. She enjoyed the hunt for a perfect treasure and didn’t let anything hinder her from getting what she wanted.

A longtime member of Spilman Memorial Baptist Church, Joan faithfully served her Lord through the ministries of the church. She looked forward to every church service where she could offer praise to the Lord and reconnect with her church family.

Joan’s circle of friends was deeply treasured. While many of them had been friends since high school, she made sure to stay in touch with each one and maintain the ties they held.

For Joan, there was no greater blessing than that of her family. The love she had for Mickey knew no bounds, and she is no doubt relishing in their reunion. Her children were cherished, and their spouses received the same affection. She and Brad created quite the bond as they both went through dialysis, accompanying each other to every appointment. Each grandchild held a special place in her life, and she loved each one uniquely.

Throughout the years, Joan offered help and encouragement to many. It’s no surprise that many were honored to help her through her years of declining health. The family especially wishes to thank Kristian Jones, who was a constant support for her in the last years.

A service of love and remembrance will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 5, 2023 at Spilman Memorial Baptist Church, Kinston with Rev. Dr. H. Powell Dew officiating. Committal will follow at Westview Cemetery in Kinston. The family will receive friends in the hour prior to the service.

Joan is survived by her children, Jackie Elmore and Jay Joyner (Shelly); grandchildren, Arrington Morgan (Kyle), Gannon Joyner, Peyton Joyner, and Lily Elmore; great-grandchildren, Beckett Morgan and Bryson Morgan; and sister-in-law, Mary Graves.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016-5337 (www.kidney.org). Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.